A press conference was held on the 14th for the 55th anniversary special drama of Fuji TV “Murder on the Orient Express”, to be broadcasted on 2 consecutive nights in the New Year of 2015. The drama will feature Nomura Mansai, Arashi’s Ninomiya Kazunari, Anne, Matsushima Nanako, Tamaki Hiroshi and Sawamura Ikki among others.

The drama is based from the original novel of the Queen of Mystery Agatha Christie, which was published in 1934. Playwright of the SP is written by Mitani Koki and the story setting has been changed to the early Showa era. “Murder on the Orient Express” is about a murder that occurred while on a luxury sleeper train called Orient Express. The first night of the drama will be faithful to the original. The second night will reconstruct the story based from the point of view of the criminal.

Nomura Mansai will play the role of the famous detective Suguro Takeru who gradually uncovers the murder in the luxury train. This is also his first time starring in a commercial drama.

Ninomiya Kazunari plays the role of the victim’s head secretary named Makuuchi Heita. On his first work together with Mitani Koki, he was surprised to be chosen. “I thought I could only watch Mitani’s works. I was surprised when I was called.” Mitani commented that he has seen Ninomiya’s past works and says “It is really good. In a sense, that was already an audition. He is warped so I look forward to the strange feeling.”

Anne will play the wife of diplomat Andou, which is played by Tamaki Hiroshi. With deep emotion she says that “I knew Mitani-san from childhood through my family. I did not imagine I would be able to act a character in his works.” Sawamura Ikki will play army colonel Noto Iwao and has lost 5 kg in 3 months to prepare for the role. He also kept a mustache. On working with Mitani for the first time, he says “The pressure is great!”

In addition, Matsushima Nanako will play the role of private tutor Umaba Maiko, Ikematsu Sousuke as the fountain pen seller Hazama Saisuke, Yagi Akiko as the church worker Kureta Sonoko.